I recently read Elizabeth Jenkins’ wonderful memoir The View from Downshire Hill (published in 2004, but inexplicably difficult to find – I read it in the Bodleian). Sooner or later I might write about it at greater length, but for now I will simply mention that it is a wonderful source of literary anecdotes, and often quite funny. Here’s a bit I thought you might like, about her novel The Tortoise and the Hare.
This was, in terms of financial success, my best novel, but I encountered some severe, personal criticism from readers who felt that the interest of the book was too much confined to one class, not to say one income bracket. I was told by a young man, a student in a university society to which I had been asked to give a talk, that what was wrong with the book was that it wasn’t about anything that really mattered. As I felt that the suffering caused by the break-up of a marriage was something that did matter, I asked him, in surprise, what were some of the things that really mattered? After a pause, he said: “Well, trade unions.”
I'd like to read this book, that quote is brilliant. I still have to read the Tortoise and the Hare. I loved her Austen biography.
It takes all kinds!!!
Hilarious! I love that quote!
Oh, my! :)
I'm curious to read more Jenkins – does anything else come close to the tortoise and the hare?
Perfectly timed post for me as I'm reading The Tortoise and the Hare at the moment. And I can honestly say there is not a single book on my shelves about trade unions.
Nicola – I don't know why it's so scarce – it must have had a tiny print run initially.
Mystica – well, that kind can stay away from me (!!) Can you imagine a novel about trade unions? Eurgh!
Rachel – isn't it wonderful? Jenkins has a lovely wry sense of humour.
Susan – :D
Hayley – Tortoise and Hare is the only novel I've read by EJ. I liked it a lot, but not quite to the extent that everyone else seems to… but I do have Robert and Helen on my shelf too. She didn't mention that at all in her book.
Darlene – I did wonder whether any of the hundreds of unread books I've got might feature trade unions… but I doubt it! I've got to confess, I'm not sure I know what a trade union is…
Has anyone read "An Agitator' by Clementina Black
Clementina Black was a suffragist and trade unionist who campaigned to improve industrial conditions for women. She was a co-founder of the Women’s Labour Bureau, which led to the formation of the Women’s Industrial Council in 1894. Black wrote seven novels, including "The Agitator'about a socialist strike leader.
Ruth – well, there you go, there is one!